Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Our Gallery Highlights Tour is the perfect introduction to the Museum and its wonderful collections, giving you a window into New Zealand’s past and present.
Over the course of an hour, you’ll be guided through our renowned galleries, giving you an understanding of Māori culture and the achievements of Polynesian navigators. Explore the unique natural history and geology of Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand and look back on the conflicts that have shaped the nation.
The tour covers select galleries across all three floors of the Museum, and our guide will be happy to answer questions about collection items or galleries along the way. Let us show you around our place.
Note: This tour requires visitors to walk up a flight of stairs, therefore is not suitable for visitors with additional mobility considerations.
PLEASE NOTE:
Te Marae Ātea Māori Court & Pacific Galleries are temporarily closed until further notice due to essential maintenance work.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Auckland Museum
Over the course of an hour, you’ll be guided through our renowned galleries, giving you an understanding of Māori culture and the achievements of Polynesian navigators. Explore the unique natural history and geology of Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand and look back on the conflicts that have shaped the nation.
Auckland Museum
Before and/or after your tour, explore the rest of the Museum at your leisure and stop for refreshments at one of our two cafes. You may opt to take in our acclaimed Māori Cultural Experience, or see a major exhibition (tickets required).
Options
Gallery Highlights Tour and General Admission
What‘s Included
Gallery Highlights Tour ticket
General Admission ticket
Any other products such as special exhibitions or shows
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good visit to pick up a history of New Zealand
sunbeamimp,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the tour which comprised the tour guide and 4 people. Very informative giving the highlights of the museum and war memorial. You get general admission tickets as part of the tour price as you will need to spend more time to get the best out of it. There are two nice cafes for food and drink. We were very pleased with the food we purchased as well presented, well cooked and excellent seasoning and flavour. We spent about 3.5 hrs in total. Tour guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. Staff overall were great .
Good overview of Maori culture
GlobetrottingSwede,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Large Museum where you can learn a lot about New Zealand history the Maori culture and the Polynesian culture in general.
Must-See for Culture & History Lovers!
donaldhL7644AX,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A perfect blend of culture, history, and natural science. The Māori and Pacific Island exhibits were beautifully presented and deeply moving, with stunning carvings and traditional artefacts that really brought the stories to life.
A Must-Visit in Auckland – Culture, History, and Stunning Views!
ryanpZ2329ZX,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’m so glad we included the Auckland War Memorial Museum in our itinerary — it’s easily one of the best cultural experiences in the city. The Maori cultural performance was a definite highlight. It felt authentic, powerful, and incredibly moving — well worth the extra ticket price. The performers also explain the meaning behind the haka and traditional instruments, which added so much depth.
Not worth the money
800annee,Mar 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Free for locals but expensive for visitors. Maori culture displays were good but all-in-all a very small museum. Not worth the money.
Don't miss it.
JrnyJunkie,Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful museum. The layout is very user friendly and we had a great tour with one of the docents. The Maori artifacts and other historical exhibits including the Moa and ANZAC rooms are very interesting.
Brilliant- wish we had more time
E4280KHjanec,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great eye opener and taster of what was available. We were lucky enough to have been guided by Maureen- a volunteer of 15 years. She was so informative and led us through all floors providing us with enough information on NZ history to make us stay a further 4 hours after the tour ended and we still never say all. It's a great introduction to a superb museum and Maureen was a credit to the team she works with.
Lot to see but quite expensive.
SusieJeanD59,Feb 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00There is a lot to see in the museum. Like a previous review I did think even by London standards the cost at $32.00 was quite high. I have been before a few years ago but I don't remember it being that expensive. And there was no reduction for seniors.
Nice museum and learnt quite a bit
jaynebR8437YS,Jan 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice museum and friendly staff. As visitors we paid but locals get in free. Bit disappointed that the feature exhibition was extra charge
Having a tour is a good idea
susanaR572GD,Jan 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fascinating museum with many interesting artifacts that we would not have understood if we hadnt had such a knowledgeable museum guide showing us around.
Related Experiences
Operated by Auckland War Memorial Museum